Dell Precision M6300 (Late 2007): Charge Gauge Check the Battery Charge

Charge Gauge

By either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on the

charge gauge on the battery, you can check:

• Battery charge (check by pressing and

releasing

the status button)

• Battery health (check by pressing and

holding

the status button)

The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is

charged. After hundreds of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some

charge capacity, or battery health; consequently, a battery can show a status of

charged but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).

Check the Battery Charge

To check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery

charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents

approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the

battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no

lights appear, the battery has no charge.

Check the Battery Health

NOTE: You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gauge

on the battery as described below or by using the Battery Meter in Dell QuickSet.

For information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.

To check the battery health using the charge gauge, press and hold the status

button on the battery charge gauge for at least three seconds. If no lights

appear, the battery is in good condition, and more than 80 percent of its

original charge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental

degradation. If five lights appear, less than 60 percent of the charge capacity

remains, and you should consider replacing the battery. See "Battery

Performance" on page 15 for more information about the battery operating

time.

Quick Reference Guide 17